The journey continues, let the wildness in.

Since 2025, the life-size animal puppets of THE HERDS have been taking over streets across the world. From the Congo to the Arctic, they've travelled 20,000km across the world, fleeing climate disaster in search of safety. And they are now stampeding towards to Scotland.  

On Friday 25 and Saturday 26 June 2027 they arrive in Edinburgh, a vast herd of elephant, giraffes, wildebeest, gorillas and reindeer march through the city centre towards Princes Street Gardens.

The parade will culminate in a performance at the Ross Bandstand, featuring spectacular interactive puppets in flight choreographed by All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre accompanied by a choir led by Stephen Deazley and supported by Love Music singing a newly arranged choral composition by Hanna Tullikki, co-composed and arranged by Rylan Gleave.

THE HERDS shines a light on species migration and habitat loss and we are inviting 150 volunteer participants to join the professional puppeteers creating this mass spectacle. In addition, a very special workshop programme will be available for schools with accompanying educational resources.

THE HERDS is public art and climate action on an unprecedented scale – an ambitious coming together of culture and climate, sparking meaningful change and driving global awareness.

Directed by Amir Nizar Zuabi
Puppet Design by Ukwanda Puppets NPO

THE HERDS is co-presented in Edinburgh by National Theatre of Scotland and Walk Productions, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council's visitor levy